A suspected robber is struck by his victims’ truck and arrested by Ft. Pierce police

FT. PIERCE, Fla. - A suspected armed robber, who suffered a head injury after being hit by his victims’ truck early Saturday morning, was arrested by Fort Pierce police.

According to a Fort Pierce Police Department media release, Charles Edward Smith, 31, approached Antonio Becerra, Samuel Hernandez and a young girl while they sat in their truck in the 200 block of South 22 ^nd Street around 12:10 a.m.  

Armed with a shotgun, police say Smith took Becerra’s wallet and ripped a rosary off his neck, then demanded money from Hernandez, but was told he had no wallet.  Police say Smith then threatened to shoot Hernandez and the girl if they didn’t give him their money and jewelry.

At that time, the child was able to run into their home and alert others in the house. That is when Smith attempted to flee, but he stopped and turned around toward the victims. Fearing for his life, Becerra tried to maneuver his truck away from the suspect, but hit him instead, police said. Becerra then disarmed Smith and called 911.

When police arrived, they found Smith on the ground suffering from a wound to his head. He was arrested and is being held on a $78,750.00 bond.

The sawed-off shotgun was recovered and the wallet returned to Becerra.